The transfer is expected to be completed within the next 24 hours with the Brazilian having flown out to Spain on Saturday evening to complete the formalities of the deal.

Jurgen Klopp is keen to ensure Liverpool's season is not threatened by Coutinho's departure with the Reds on a 17-game unbeaten run – their longest such sequence in more than 20 years – that sees them challenging in the Premier League top four, through to the last 16 of the Champions League and into the FA Cup fourth round.

Lemar is top of the Reds' wanted list (Image: AFP/Getty)

Coutinho will join Barca in a £142m transfer (Image: Liverpool Echo)

And Liverpool will now intensify efforts to bring Lemar from Monaco.

The Reds were keen on signing the France international on deadline day last summer but couldn't agree a deal with the Ligue 1 side.

Klopp, though, remains an admirer of the 22-year-old attacker, who has also previously attracted interest from Arsenal.

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim this week revealed they had no intention of parting with Lemar this month.

But that resolve will be tested should Liverpool, armed with the funds from the Coutinho sale, return in the coming days with a mammoth bid.

Coutinho has scored 12 times for the Reds this season (Image: Getty Images Europe)